Buried Under 7 Books
Are you reading anything I am right now?
Prologue
What are you reading? Have you signed up for your library summer reading program? I distract easily, lose interest, find something new, and then refocus on something I had set down a few days before. Because of this pattern I wind my way through 2 to 3 books on a regular basis. Recently, however, I was reading 2 books when a bunch of books I had on hold at the library came in all at once. Now I am inundated. Some have due dates. One is research for a meeting coming up. One is for a book club which is also on a specific date. Which book gets priority over the next? Thoughts?
1. Let’s Talk About Death (Over Dinner): An Invitation and Guide to Life’s Most Important Conversation by Michael Hebb
Narrated by Michael Hebb
Audiobook owned, just finished & starting over.
I am meeting with my library coordinator to discuss the merits of offering some kind of death conversation gathering. This is my research book. Yes, I read through the book once, but now I need to go back and make notes. The coordinator will have questions. This is my top priority book as the meeting is in 3 days.
2. A Tale of Magic… (Book 1) by Chris Colfer
Narrated by Chris Colfer
Library copy due in 11 days, 29% complete
At the beginning of the year on Facebook, people set up Friend and Family book challenges. Friends and family members recommended their favorite books, you take the first 12 titles and spend the year of 2023 reading them. This recommendation came from my nephew. The pressure to read this book is two-fold. I want to finish my book challenge before my other 2 sisters who are also reading, and there is a library due date. Because this is a fun read, I find myself gravitating to it before going to bed.
3. You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy
Narrated by Kate Murphy
Library copy due in 8 days, 82% complete
This is the June book club pick. There is a lot of information thrown at you despite the book being on the shorter side. I have to read an audiobook more than once to remember enough of it to contribute anything relevant to the discussion the group will have. I will continuously listen to this book while doing the dishes or folding laundry. I will listen to it every day on a loop until book club comes. I don’t do this with all book club reads, but I am learning a lot and using the book to improve my listening skills.
4. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
Narrated by Derek Perkins
Library copy due in 11 days, 2% complete
This is my most difficult read. I stay away from political, religious, and most contemporary hot button topics of conversation. However, it was recommended by someone whose opinion I respect, so I am giving it the ol’ college try. It may take renewals to get all the way through.
5. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Narrated by Angela Dawe
Library copy due in 13 days, 13% complete
Don’t judge! Yes, I am further in this book than I am in some of the others I have had longer, but when you get a book, don’t you, also, read the first chapter right away to at least see how you warm up to it? So far, I and Finlay Donovan are getting along fine. However, the library stars are not lining up in favor of this book. I may have to let this book recirculate and wait for my name to come around again from the hold list. It is a fun read. I’ll be back.
6. Charlie Bone and the Hidden King (Children of the Red King, Book 5) by Jenny Nimmo
Narrated by Simon Russell Beale
Audiobook owned, 5% complete
If I am enjoying a series, which I am with this one, having to pause the series because a library book with a rudely and loudly screaming for priority due date is disappointing. It’s like watching your favorite tv series loyally and respectfully every week, just to have the broadcasting corporation replace a week with a World Series baseball game. Knowing what happens in the next episode is so much more important than a one-and-done!
7. Broken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
Narrated by Jenny Lawson
Audiobook owned, 55% complete
I started this book before all the other books came in. I listened to Lawson’s book, Furiously Happy, a few months ago and fell in love. Her personal essays regarding her own mental and physical health issues are hilarious, heartfelt, sad, and wonderous in the best possible ways. I devoured Furiously Happy and couldn’t wait to start the next. If I am being practical, however, I will sadly set this book aside. Personal essays are easy to dip in and out of as you are not following a plot, and I own it so there is no due date. Wait for me, Jenny Lawson! I won’t forget you!
Epilogue
As I adore books in general, I want to read them all at the same time. However, I don’t have that many speakers or audiobook readers or concentration for that to sanely happen. If you are reading any of these books, you could send me your thoughts. Or tell me how your book ends, and I may find myself calmer regarding my need to read it. Otherwise, what’s a bibliophile to do, but read faster?!
